Interstitial Cystitis Hope Through Research

Although answers may seem slow in coming, researchers are working to solve the painful riddle of IC. Some scientists receive funds from the Federal Government to help support their research, while others receive support from their employing institution, drug companies, or patient support associations.

NIDDK's investment in scientifically meritorious IC research across the country has grown considerably since 1987. The Institute now supports research that is looking at various aspects of IC, such as how the components of urine may injure the bladder and what role organisms identified by nonstandard methods may have in causing IC. In addition to funding research, NIDDK sponsors scientific workshops where investigators share the results of their studies and discuss future areas for investigation.

Database

An important part of NIDDK's IC research program has been the National IC Database Study, the first systematic, long-term look at a large number of people with IC. Baseline data have been analyzed to provide a foundation for subsequent studies in the IC Clinical Trials Group.

Clinical Trials Group

In 1998, NIDDK initiated the IC Clinical Trials Group, a project designed to develop and test new treatment strategies for patients with IC. The first trial is testing two oral drugs. One group is being treated with Elmiron, a second with Atarax, a third with both drugs, and a fourth with placebo.

The second trial is testing whether the bacterium Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) relieves the pelvic pain and frequent urination that are hallmarks of IC. Participants are randomly assigned to have either a BCG or a saline solution temporarily placed in the bladder during each of six clinic visits. Neither doctors nor patients know who has received the BCG until the study ends. Patients whose symptoms are not relieved by the initial series will be openly offered BCG.

source: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/index.htm